Four row cylindrical roller bearings are a key component in heavy-duty industrial applications, particularly in the steel and metal processing industries. Their unique design provides high radial load capacity while allowing axial displacement, making them ideal for applications such as rolling mills where performance, durability, and precision are critical.

What Are Four Row Cylindrical Roller Bearings?

Four row cylindrical roller bearings consist of four sets of cylindrical rollers positioned within a single bearing unit. Unlike single or double row bearings, they offer greater load-bearing capacity and improved stability under high-speed operations. These bearings typically come in two designs — with a separable inner or outer ring — which allows for easier mounting and dismounting.

Key Features and Benefits

High Radial Load Capacity: Due to the increased number of rolling elements, four row cylindrical roller bearings can support extremely high radial loads.

Axial Displacement Tolerance: These bearings allow for axial movement of the shaft relative to the housing, which is essential in applications where thermal expansion is a factor.

Compact Design: Despite their heavy-duty handling capacity, the design remains compact, allowing for efficient use of space.

Long Service Life: With proper lubrication and maintenance, they can operate reliably over extended periods, even in harsh conditions.

Common Applications

Four row cylindrical roller bearings are most commonly used in:

Hot and Cold Rolling Mills: To support heavy working rolls where high speed and load are involved.

Wire Rod Mills

Strip Mills

Paper Machinery

Gearboxes in Heavy Industry

Four row cylindrical roller bearings are specifically designed to endure extreme conditions in continuous production lines, where reliability is paramount.

Types and Configurations

Depending on the specific application, you can choose from several types of four row cylindrical roller bearings:

Integral and Split Cage Designs

Separable Inner/Outer Rings

Grease or Oil Lubricated Versions

Choosing between these depends on factors such as operating speed, alignment conditions, and ease of maintenance.

Selection Tips

When selecting a four row cylindrical roller bearing, consider the following:

Load Requirements: Ensure the bearing can handle both the radial loads and the operating speed of your application.

Mounting Configuration: Choose a design that simplifies assembly and maintenance.

Lubrication Needs: Proper lubrication is essential to prevent premature wear.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Regular inspection is crucial. Look out for signs of wear such as unusual vibration, noise, or uneven roller paths. Ensure that seals are intact and that lubrication is regularly replenished to avoid contamination and overheating.

Conclusion

Four row cylindrical roller bearings play an essential role in high-load, high-speed industrial applications. Their robust design and ability to handle axial displacement make them indispensable in sectors like steel processing and paper manufacturing. By understanding their features and choosing the right configuration, businesses can significantly enhance equipment reliability and reduce downtime.

For more information or to find the right bearing for your application, feel free to contact ZYS technical support team.